Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism, illness, and death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Would you call this book’s conclusion a happy ending or not? Does the ending reflect the complicated nature of real life? 

2. Michelle Hodkin’s novel The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer also employs paranormal elements in telling the story of a teen girl whose amnesia hides dark secrets about her past behavior. Have you read this novel? Who do you think is more responsible for the tragic events they cause—Mara or Cady? Which novel did you enjoy more? If you have not read Hodkin’s work, what other novels would you compare this one to?

3. E. Lockhart wrote a prequel to this novel called Family of Liars. It focuses on the teen years of Carrie, Cady’s aunt, and also features the appearance of a ghost. Have you read this prequel? If so, how would you compare and contrast Carrie and Cady as well as the two novels’ use of ghosts? If not, are you interested in reading it?